Dane County Sheriff’s Office Searching For 25-Year-Old Woman After GPS Bracelet Tampering

Dane County authorities are searching for 25-year-old Andrea Smith after her GPS monitor was cut off in Madison. View her description and contact info.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 9:35 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from WMTV 15 News

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is requesting public assistance in locating a woman who has fled the jail's diversionary oversight. Andrea Smith, 25, was officially declared AWOL at approximately 7:27 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The incident began when a specialized monitoring unit received an automated alert indicating that Smith’s GPS tracking device had been compromised.

Upon responding to the alert, deputies discovered the monitoring bracelet abandoned. Physical evidence at the scene suggested the device had been intentionally cut off to evade law enforcement tracking. According to investigators, Smith’s last recorded GPS coordinates placed her on the north side of Madison, specifically in the vicinity of Parkside Drive. Despite active search efforts throughout the night and into Thursday morning, her current whereabouts remain unknown.

Smith is described by officials as a Black female standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing approximately 223 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair. While she was a participant in the jail’s diversion program—a system designed to provide alternatives to traditional incarceration—the act of disabling a monitoring device and fleeing supervision constitutes a serious violation of her release terms.

The Dane County Communications Center is handling all leads related to the case. Law enforcement has not indicated whether Smith is considered a direct threat to the public, but they are urging anyone who spots her or has information regarding her movements since Wednesday evening to contact authorities immediately.

Diversion programs in Dane County are frequently utilized to reduce jail overcrowding and provide rehabilitative opportunities for eligible individuals. However, incidents of GPS tampering often lead to the immediate revocation of program privileges and additional criminal charges once the individual is back in custody. The Sheriff’s Office continues to monitor local transit hubs and known associates in hopes of securing a peaceful surrender.